Taxi Legislation Agreement

News From New York State
Senator Shirley L. Huntley
For Immediate Release: December 23, 2011
Contact: Antonio Rodriguez | arodrigu@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531

*PRESS RELEASE*

Senator Huntley Announces Agreement on New York City Taxi Legislation

Agreement Ensures Taxicab and Livery System is Accessible for Persons with Disabilities

Senator Shirley L. Huntley (D-Jamaica) announced this week that an agreement has been reached to provide taxi service to all five boroughs of New York City with access to livery cabs for persons with disabilities.

“This agreement made possible by the leadership of Governor Cuomo ensures all New Yorkers equal access to the city’s livery system,” Senator Huntley explained. “This bill will provide much needed revenue for the five boroughs of New York City while ensuring all people are able to benefit.”

The agreement includes the creation of a new class of hail-accessible inter-borough livery licenses, 20% of which will be for vehicles accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) will be authorized to issue up to 18,000 of these new licenses and will be required to provide grants of up to $15,000 to retrofit vehicles to accommodate the disabled or to purchase accessible vehicles.  

The agreement also requires the TLC to prepare a Disabled Accessibility Plan that will ensure improved accessibility of all taxicabs, liveries and the new hail-accessible vehicles over a period of years through the gradual phase-in of accessible vehicles to the fleet. The Disabled Accessibility Plan will be prepared in consultation with disability rights groups and other stakeholders. The plan will be submitted for public comment and to the City Council, and for approval to the New York State Department of Transportation.

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New York State Senate Email | shuntley@nysenate.gov | (518) 455-3531